Alicia Vikander Opens Up About Motherhood and Career Challenges
Alicia Vikander, Oscar-winning Swedish actress, recently shared rare insights into her journey of co-parenting with husband Michael Fassbender while balancing the pressures of her thriving career. In an exclusive interview with British Vogue, the 36-year-old star shed light on the nuances of family life, career choices, and how motherhood has transformed her.
Co-Parenting and Managing Schedules
Vikander, who shares two young sons with her husband, emphasized the importance of creating a balanced family routine. “It can be very long days, and a lot of the time you will leave before the kids get up and then maybe not be back before they sleep,” she said. The actress highlighted how she and Fassbender ensure one parent is home while the other works: “With all the parent and mum guilt that you already carry with you constantly – I am battling that a lot, all the time.”
Life in Lisbon: Family and Surf by the Beach
Since relocating to Lisbon, the family has embraced a more relaxed lifestyle. “My husband said he wanted to surf every day. We’re on the beach with the kids every weekend we are there,” Vikander shared. This idyllic setup, blending career and relaxation, reflects how the couple prioritizes family in the midst of professional demands.
Embracing Motherhood
Despite initial fears about becoming a mother, Vikander revealed how profoundly motherhood has changed her. “I wasn’t really very maternal until I had my own children. But maybe even more after the second one arrived, I started to feel like: ‘OK, I know this a little bit now,'” the actress confessed. She added that she’s learned to be kinder to herself through the journey and admits that every woman’s experience with parenting is unique.
Physical Demands of Pregnancy
Vikander also spoke candidly about the physical and emotional challenges of pregnancy, particularly with her second child. “Going through those nine months is like a marathon, so it does help if you’re strong going into it. It’s so physically demanding, and I have so much admiration for any woman who has done it,” she noted. As someone who has also portrayed childbirth on-screen, she admitted to feeling the profound difference between acting and experiencing it in real life.
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Balancing Career and Family
As a Hollywood A-lister, Vikander has learned to carefully choose projects that align with her values and bring her creative joy. “I narrow it down to two things now – the people I really want to work with, and the projects that I feel are going to be a creative, joyous time.” The actress revealed that transitioning between work and family life is still challenging but finds fulfillment in the balance she’s created.
Upcoming Projects
Fans can catch Vikander in the West End production of The Lady from the Sea, running from September 10 to November 8, 2025, alongside Andrew Lincoln. Meanwhile, her collaboration on the upcoming movie Hope has been praised for her impressive physical performance, especially coming shortly after giving birth to her second child.
A Love Story That Keeps Growing
Vikander and Fassbender’s love story began in 2014 on the set of The Light Between Oceans. The couple tied the knot in 2017 in Ibiza and have since built a close-knit family while navigating the ups and downs of life in the public eye. Despite challenges like suffering a miscarriage before welcoming their first child, Vikander has shown resilience and grace in her personal journey.
For the complete feature, check out the September issue of British Vogue, available via digital download and on newsstands from Tuesday, August 19.
